Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan indicated on Monday he may bench quarterback Robert Griffin III for the remainder of the season. After refusing to dismiss a report that he planned to quit last season, Shanahan appears to be using the threat of benching Griffin to force owner Dan Snyder to fire him now - for money, according to Pro Football Talk.
An ESPN report claimed Shanahan intended to step down after last season, before Griffin's knee injury made him reconsider, because the veteran coach didn't like the preferential treatment Snyder gave Griffin.
Shanahan didn't deny the report and, during his presser on Monday, said he is considering shutting down Griffin for the last three games of the season. He cited his reasoning behind possibly benching Griffin as a concern about the quarterback's health and to ensure the second-year pro is able to fully participate in the offseason program next year.
Griffin struggled after missing the entire offseason to rehab his knee, and Shanahan debating whether to bench him for three meaningless games in order to keep him healthy for next year makes sense - pretext or not.
Regardless, a coaching change in the offseason appears inevitable. At this point, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, it's now about posturing for money.
"Shanahan and owner Daniel Snyder currently are engaged in a high-stakes game of chicken regarding whether Shanahan will leave with or without a buyout of the final year of Shanahan's contract," Florio wrote on Tuesday. "Shanahan apparently wants to be fired, so that he'll be paid. Snyder surely hopes Shanahan will finish what he reportedly started in January, walking away and getting nothing. ...
"If Shanahan does (bench Griffin), and then Snyder overrules the coach, Shanahan arguably would have enough ammunition to claim that his contract has been violated. Which possibly would allow Shanahan to walk away while also getting paid."
It's Shanahan's move. He told reporters his decision for quarterback would be announced on Wednesday.
